Ingredients to Avoid in Skin and Body Care Products

Thinking about switching to a greener lifestyle or just curious about what's in the products you put on your body everyday? I've compiled a list of ingredients to look out for and reasons to avoid them. 
The items listed below should be absent from the ingredients list on products if you are looking to clean up your routine.

Parabens

What they are:

Chemicals used to prevent growth on microbes. They are frequently identified on labels as ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben.

Why you should avoid them:

They have been linked to cancer and have been known to disrupt hormone production  and can lead to breast cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Sulfates

What they are:

Chemicals that are responsible for producing lather including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Why you should avoid them:

When absorbed into the skin in large quantities, the chemical can mimic estrogen leading to problems with PMS and menopause as well as breast cancer.

Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes

What they are:

Scents and coloring agents that are not made from natural ingredients.

Why you should avoid them:

They may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions especially on sensitive skin.

Petrochemicals

What they are:

Chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas. They can be recognized under the names of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, benzene, phenol and acetone.

Why you should avoid them:

Some can cause skin irritants while others such as benzene are carcinogenic, which means they are possibly cancer causing in high doses.

Phthalates

What they are:

Chemicals that help products absorb into the skin and are known as dibutylphthalate or butyl ester.

Why you should avoid them:

They may cause severe skin irritation.

GMOs

What they are:

Genetically modified organisms which could include natural products that have been genetically altered. The only way to be sure your product is made without GMOs is if the ingredients have been organic-certified.

Why you should avoid them:

Genetically modified crops can have traces of pesticides, insecticides or hormones that can be absorbed when product is applied topically.

Triclosan

What they are:

Often used to kill bacteria on skin and is found in face washes.

Why you should avoid them:

Research has shown that they alter hormones in animals, may contribute to antibiotic resistant germs and may be harmful to the immune system.